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Complications of Ablative and Nonablative Lasers and Light Sources

  • Chapter
Complications in Cutaneous Surgery

Abstract

Complications of cutaneous laser surgery can be understood by reviewing the evolution of laser technology over the past several decades. Lasers initially were designed to operate in a continuous-wave (CW) mode, which produced a continuous beam of radiation that subsequently was absorbed by a tissue chromophore. Although particular skin structures could be destroyed using these early lasers, their use was limited because the energy emitted not only altered the target, but also conducted heat into adjacent nonirradiated tissue. The nonselective thermal injury produced in adjacent tissue resulted in significant side effects and complications; specifically, dyspigmentation, and scarring.1–3

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Washington DC, USA

    Elizabeth L. Tanzi MD (Co-Director, Wahington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Clinical Instructor of Dermatology)

  2. Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA

    Tina S. Alster MD (Director, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Clinical Professor of Dermatology)

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  1. Elizabeth L. Tanzi MD
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  2. Tina S. Alster MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Hugh M. Gloster Jr. MD (Associate Professor and Director of Dermatologic Surgery) (Associate Professor and Director of Dermatologic Surgery)

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Tanzi, E.L., Alster, T.S. (2008). Complications of Ablative and Nonablative Lasers and Light Sources. In: Gloster, H.M. (eds) Complications in Cutaneous Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-73152-0_13

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